New Leica S2 ----> 37 Million Pixels!

[KoNickon]

The big gamble is whether people will drop a LOT of money on an entirely new system, assuming they're already heavily invested in the C or N brands. The new larger format is a gamble too, but I think less of one. For commercial and fashion photography (weddings also) this really sounds promising -- again, for a lot of cash.

Interesting that it has only one focusing sensor, but unless you're shooting sports I don't think that's important. A big key for this system will be its flash capability, I think.

I am thrilled that Leica has taken this chance. And to think much of the discussion last week concerned how Leica's business model, based on the niche rangefinder market, didn't seem to be a viable one. What a difference a couple of days makes.

 

[monochromejrnl]

sigh.. just what the world needs... another expensive, big, heavy, high megapixel, large sensored studio camera...

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I like the idea behind this camera: top image quality in a (relatively) portable package. Seems like a good direction for Leica to move in. Obviously, it's not a camera for us rangefinder schmucks, but no sour grapes from me.

 

[cole]

A couple things I'd like to point out:

-Yes, you can buy a 5D Mk II for $2600, but if you want medium-format quality, you are currently looking at a minimum of $35,000 (appx.). Again, this system isn't necessarily designed to trump Canon/Nikon, nor Hasselblad/Leaf. It's an in-between, as Leica states: it's intended for fashion/commercial photographers who want a more conveniently-sized high-resolution camera. In a sense, I suppose that means that's it competition for both Canon/Nikon AND Hasselblad/Leaf... but at the same time, it does begin to open up its own niche market.

-Let's get a little perspective here: Yes, other camera companies will have a good 6-9 months to try and trump this camera; yes, Leica has not faired so well with past 'new' systems (R-series, S1...). But this is just the beginning! Leica clearly states that this technology will filter down to other systems, and that they will be designing cameras for more target audiences. Thus, it's completely fair to expect other models to be announced this year that will be more accessible for younger photographers who are on the way to being pros, or who are enthusiastic amateurs.

Leica always has been and always will be a discerning photographer's brand. They're not the most affordable, but they are some of the highest-quality systems on the market, and to see them reclaiming that status with a camera like this warms my heart. At €20,000, it's coming in far below the price of a Hasselblad, while providing probably the same if not better quality all-around.

Again, a fantastic move for Leica; I can't wait to see what else they have in store for 2009. It's going to be an exciting time.

 

[John Robertson]

Cool, and they named it after a venerable Nikon rangefinder camera.

No a follow on from the original Leica S1 digital studio camera.😛

 

[Spider67]

While I follow this thread I am listening to Rammstein, Then the Darth Camra nick and I fell the strong urge to buy it. Should Leica make commercials with Rammstein songs to promote it?

 

[paulhart]

I'll get one when Morgan brings out a black & white cobra snake skin coat for it.

 

[peter_n]

Leica's official site for the camera: http://www.s.leica-camera.com/

Includes an introduction by Andreas Kaufmann.

 

[italy74]

Well..

Well..

To me, that camera is definitely "ugly" (what I voted) and worse than R - only look wise - but of course we have to see how it works before judging it overall. Remarkable the presence of AF and I'm however curious to see the new S-line of lenses, although I expect stellar prices here.
However, it's one more card that Leitz guys can finally play now.

 

[swoop]

Ho-lee-crap. I just messed in my pants.

 

[Zenjitsuman]

can 35mm lenses resolve this much?

can 35mm lenses resolve this much?

Most lenses only can show their faults under such scrutiny, I wonder if the resolving power will show more noise.

 

[infrequent]

its not ugly at all. what i would like to know is how did they manage to make a MF camera smaller than a full frame dSLR from canikon!!

 

[jaapv]

Too little & it will be much too late - as in way too long between announcement and availability. My bet is that Canon will ship something better within 6 months and be fully compatable with their existing EOS lenses. The S series will sell as well as the R series - barely.

It's too bad as it looks somewhat interesting. They'd have done better teaming with someone else and using an existing mount as well as not announcing it until they were nearly ready to ship.

All IMHO & all that.

William

😕How on earth can a mf system like this be compatible with EOS lenses? For one thing they simply don't have the coverage. And Leica runs rings around Canon in lens design....

 

[Ray Nalley]

I guess the LCD must be a touch screen. There aren't enough controls on the camera to access it's functions otherwise. Looks more like a studio oriented camera.

 

[back alley]

maybe i should get one of these instead of a used rd1...

😉

 

[astroman]

This is a professional camera for Professional photographers with highend clients .Some highend fashion photog that can recoupe the cost of this baby in one photo shoot.The rest of us can just Dream.🙄

 

[ferider]

I admire Leica's chutzpa in going for this but if it all goes pear shaped the problems they've had with the M8's release and ongoing issues will seem like a walk in the park.

Life will be easier for Leica supporting this, Keith. After all it won't be used by dentists ... 😀

Roland.

 

[back alley]

This is a professional camera for Professional photographers with highend clients .Some highend fashion photog that can recoupe the cost of this baby in one photo shoot.The rest of us can just Dream.🙄

dash it all man, you've ruined my dream!

back to looking for an rd1 i guess.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Anyone else think it looks like Darth Vader?

😉

Darth Vader has a lotta fans 😀

I wonder where they are going to make this beast?

Kiu

 

[slm]

Hmm...well, I was reading this thread earlier today (at least I think its this thread) before the news was released, and there seems to be some posts that have disappeared.....

Anyhou, I never guessed it, but I certainly do like it. I *think* it will turn out being a good move for Leica.